FOUNDATIONS OF THE DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM Why Democracy? FOUNDATIONS OF THE DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM

Do Now: Analyze the following quotation: The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter...No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise. Indeed, it has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except all those other forms that have been tried from time to time. Winston Churchill What is Churchill implying in these quotations? What seems to be some of the pitfalls of a democratic system?

Why do we have a democracy? Regarded as the very best system of government Belief in the basic democratic principles Faith that the system will continue to work/serve the needs of the people

Democratic Principles Recognitions of the fundamental worth and dignity of every person A respect for the equality of all persons A faith in the majority rule and minority rights Acceptance of the necessity of compromise Emphasis on the widest possible degree of individual freedom

DISCUSS Come to a consensus! Which reading seemed to be most valid/relevant to characterize our democratic system? Why is that the case?

Document A: America is an imperial power

Document B: Voters don’t always know best

Document C: Democracies change traditions

Document D: Democracies need to be regulated by the elite

“No government demands so much from the citizens as Democracy, and none gives so much back.” James Bryce What are citizens supposed to contribute? What are citizens supposed to receive for their contributions?

Public Goods and Services education social services roads and transport waste disposal economic development countywide planning and the environment protecting the public. libraries

But, are we really getting that much back at this point?

The United States has become one of the richest countries with the highest levels of wealth inequality.

The United States fails to offer quality healthcare to citizens compared to other wealthy countries.

The United States lags behind in education compared to other countries worldwide.

Main Government Functions Equality in Voting: a basic commitment to “1 person, 1 vote” Effective Participation: citizens have many opportunities to express their opinions Enlightened Understanding: citizens can understand policymaking via free speech and a free press Citizen Control of the Agenda: no single group controls the policymaking process Inclusion: everyone in a government’s jurisdiction has basically the same rights

Although Americans remain politically tolerant, they seem to have less support for our political system as a whole.

But...18-25 year olds are now less politically tolerant and have less support for the political system.

Americans even believe that it would be acceptable to abandon our democratic institutions.

DISCUSS To what extent are millennials becoming disengaged and disillusioned with democracy? Why is that the case?

Is our democracy simply an illusion? Or failing altogether?